Usdaw seeks a comprehensive offer from the Welsh Labour Party for carers in Wales

Date: 24 March 2017Shopworkers’ trade union Usdaw is highlighting the problems working carers face and how all too often caring responsibilities can be a barrier to work. The union has a delegation at today’s Welsh Labour Party Conference in Llandudno, which closes on Sunday.

John Hannett – Usdaw General Secretary says: “There are at least 370,000 carers in Wales looking after a relative, friend or neighbour. Their unpaid caring saves the Welsh economy £8.1 billion every year, so we must do whatever it takes to provide them with the support they need. Also three-quarters of parents in Wales rely on unpaid friends or family to help care for their children.

“Welsh Labour has a proud record supporting working parents and carers. We welcome their agreement to establish a policy commission on carers and look forward to being part of the detailed discussion and policy development that will help more employed carers balance their home and work responsibilities.”

Notes for editors:

Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fourth biggest trade union with nearly 430,000 members. Membership has increased by more than 17% in the last five years and by nearly a third in the last decade. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the Union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.